"He obviously needs to play," Irfan Pathan has his say on MS Dhoni's future in international cricket

IPL 2020 is an important tournament for Dhoni to get back in the national squad.

MS Dhoni hasn't played competitive cricket since July 2019 | Getty

Irfan Pathan has expressed his opinion on whether MS Dhoni will play again for the Indian team if IPL 13 does not take place this year.

The Coronavirus pandemic has most probably made sure that IPL 13 will not be played as per schedule. This will have adverse effects on career plans of MS Dhoni who would have been looking forward to performing in the tournament to get back into the national squad.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that MS Dhoni should play for the country but whether it will be fair for the players who have been performing for India should be considered.

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Pathan told New Indian Express, “He obviously needs to play. If he does, he should for India. He is the most amazing cricketer we have. He has been fantastic for the country. He has given so much to the world of cricket. But if he is just drafted in, will it be fair for those who have been playing regularly is an important question. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have been playing consistently for a year. So, this question needs to be answered by the board.

He is also of the opinion that sport should be postponed if the situation is not good at the moment. He also stated that experts should review the situation in Australia for the T20 World Cup 2020 every three-four weeks and decide whether the tournament can be conducted as planned.

The 35-year-old said, “It is very important that all governments take proper measures. Sporting activities should obviously be postponed. Nothing is bigger than life. Like the postponement of IPL, everyone should consider the situation every month. Be it ICC or any national board, all organizations need to see the situation in Australia (for the T20 World Cup) every three, four weeks and then make a decision. If something has to be deferred or canceled, so be it.

You cannot do anything because you need to save lives, which should be the most important thing on everybody’s mind at the moment,” he added.

(With inputs from New Indian Express)

 
 

By Sameer Deodhar - 30 Mar, 2020

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